Ur-Alde in San Sebastian

This is my 3rd visit to Donostia so I have some experience with hotels, apts and pensions in the Old Town. I chose Ur-Alde for its convenient location, great value for price and excellent support before our arrival. Aitor and Mikel continued to provide 5-star support during our stay. Thank you for your patience and stamina! I needed a lot of help, when slow-travelling with my elderly mother.

Mom is 93 years young and doesn’t walk well. Ur-Alde’s elevator and Provenza room made her feel at home. We appreciated the spacious walk-in shower and separate toilet.

The mattresses were comfortably firm and I loved the long supportive pillows. During our 8-day stay in early September, the weather went from 20 degrees to 32 degrees and back down. We turned on the air conditioner for a few days.

Before we arrived, I connected with Ur-Alde via WhatsApp messaging. They were able to give me late arrival access instructions and also cancel my restaurant reservation because our flight was re-routed to Bilbao due to bad weather. They also called taxis for me since my travel SIM had no voice call option.

The list of suggested bars and restaurants was very useful! I had done my research for several months so it was very satisfying to see both new and old names on their list. And I really appreciated how the bars were categorized by style, location and budget.

Lighting and electric outlets are all modern and equipped to serve international visitors.

Our room (Provenza), the 2nd biggest, faced the street but with the window closed, it was quiet. There are bars directly below but the breeze was always pleasant. No cigarette smoke.

Arriving by taxi, Aitor and Aritz advised me to stop at the intersection of Marikalea and Portukalea. From this point, it’s a straight and easy 50 metres to the pension.

Near the pension, we enjoyed daily ice cream at Carlos Arribas, nougat shopping at Casa Torens and fresh bread at Galparsoro Okindegia. On the evenings when we didn’t feel like walking far, we simply went downstairs for food. It was so convenient! Honestly, the bars immediately to the left and right of the pension were not great, except for the calamari at La Mejillonera and the croquetas de jamon at Muxumartin. Just around the corner, Casa Alcade had much better quality and selection. And of course, Pension Ur-Alde is less than 200 metres from some world-class dining!

Pensions are usually not staffed in the afternoons and evenings. Some pensions do not even have staff in the daytime. Pension Ur-Alde is always staffed in the daytime and they are very quick to respond on WhatsApp. The cleaning lady is very diligent too. Mom and I had a wonderful stay!

Other than a lack of parking in the old city, this place was fantastic. Great lication, well appointed and comfortable rooms.

Perfect location.

We stayed in the Amsterdam room which is beautifully decorated and furnished. We stayed 3 nights and were very comfortable in this spacious room. The location is cental to the sights and we were able to walk everywhere. We will stay here again and strongly recommend it.

You get a room smack bang in the centre of the old town which is great, however it seems very much set up for couples so if you're travelling with a mate like I was, you may consider somewhere else. Overall though it was very convenient with totally autonomous entry and egress. Desk is supervised between 0900-1500

Very nice boutique hotel - four nice rooms excellently located in the old town. The rooms are nicely equipt. Very good service from the hotel manager. Though the price is at bit on the high side compared to what you get. Therefor i have only given 4 star rating

This place is a hidden gem! Right in the middle of Old Town….surrounded by restaurants and bars…super comfortable bed, wonderful shower, and the reception staff were always ready to help. My husband and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again….

Great Find in the Old Town
Ur-Alde is SUPER convenient and wow!...what a friendly staff. Maider and Aritz were EXCELLENT. Thank you for a great stay.